Mohamed Salah just pulled off something no one in Premier League history has done before: three PFA Players’ Player of the Year awards (2018, 2022, 2025). That’s not just another trophy, it’s a career bookmark — the moment that cements him as one of the league’s all-time greats and a generational icon for African and Arab football. And to see how we got here, let’s go down memory lane — the real stops and the real silverware that built his story.
Early Buzz: CAF Most Promising Talent (2012)
Even before the trophies stacked up, Salah was spotted as one to watch. In 2012, he was officially named CAF Most Promising Talent of the Year — recognition from African football that his rise wasn’t just local hype, but continental expectation.
Basel Beginnings: First European Titles (2013)
Salah’s European journey kicked off with FC Basel, where he won the Swiss Super League title in 2012–13. During this time, he was also named the Swiss Golden Player Award winner in 2013, recognition as the league’s standout foreign talent. Those early league triumphs proved he could adapt quickly to Europe, find the net, and attract attention from bigger clubs.
Roma Revival: Player of the Season(2015–16)
After spells at Chelsea and Fiorentina, Roma became the stage where Salah re-established his momentum. In the 2015–16 season, he was voted Roma’s Player of the Season, underlining that he wasn’t just quick and clinical — he was the team’s driving force in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
Premier League Breakout: The Explosion (2017–18)
Salah’s first full season at Liverpool was record-breaking. He scored 32 Premier League goals, won the Premier League Golden Boot, and swept the major individual prizes: PFA Players’ Player of the Year, FWA Footballer of the Year, and Premier League Player of the Season. It was the definitive breakthrough that turned him into a global superstar.
Continental Crown & The Puskás Moment (2017–18)
The same era saw Salah named CAF African Player of the Year and BBC African Footballer of the Year, both in 2017 and 2018, confirming him as Africa’s standout figure. On top of that, FIFA awarded him the 2018 Puskás Award for his stunning Merseyside derby goal against Everton — the kind of highlight that lives forever.
European Glory: Champions League Win (2019)
Salah scored from the penalty spot in the 2019 UEFA Champions League final, helping Liverpool secure Europe’s most prestigious club trophy. That win also led directly to more titles — the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup, where he was named Player of the Tournament — solidifying his European dominance.
Ending the Drought: Premier League Title (2019–20)
Liverpool’s first English league title in 30 years arrived in the 2019–20 season, and Salah was central to it. Beyond his goals, it was validation: the move to Anfield had made him not just a star, but a cornerstone of a historic team.
FA Cup Victory and Season Awards (2021–22)
In 2021–22, Salah added the FA Cup to his haul, while also winning the Premier League Golden Boot (shared with Son Heung-min) and the Premier League Playmaker Award for most assists. His inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year again underlined his consistency at the highest level.
Full Sweep Season (2024–25)
The 2024–25 season was Salah at his absolute peak. He won the Premier League Golden Boot, the Playmaker Award, and the Premier League Player of the Season while leading Liverpool to the league title. It was dominance across every stat line — scoring, assisting, and winning.
The Landmark: PFA Hat-Trick (2025)
And now, history: Salah is the first player ever to win the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award three times (2018, 2022, 2025). It’s the badge that ties everything together — early promise, continental recognition, European triumphs, domestic dominance, and sustained brilliance.
Beyond the Trophies
Yes, the trophies matter. But the bigger point is what Salah represents: a player from Egypt who turned early promise into a global legacy. He redefined what it means for African and Arab players to dominate at the very top of football. The medals are the receipts — but the real win is the doors he opened for the next generation.
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